Faux Vows, True Desires novel Chapter 517

Cecilia observed Avery for a moment before heading off to pour him a glass of warm water, inviting him to take a seat.

Avery glanced at Darlene. "Darlene and I are good friends," he said with a smile. "Ms. Darlene, mind if I join you here?"

Darlene gestured for him to sit down. Finally, Avery settled across from her. Cecilia returned to her seat, concern in her voice as she asked, "So, how are things between you two? Did you leave Pinehurst because of work or something more personal?"

Lifting the glass of warm water Cecilia had poured for him, Avery took a few sips. His gaze drifted to the bustling street outside, where people hurried by, each absorbed in their own lives. A hint of sadness crept onto his face as he spoke softly, "I resigned from my job. I plan to leave and not come back."

"As for matters of the heart, we're okay." Avery shifted his attention back to Cecilia, gratitude evident in his voice. "Ms. Yates, thank you—for everything you and Mr. Martinez have done."

Owen's influence had pressured the Frost family into backing off from forcing Cedric and Avery apart to protect their business interests, but instead, they launched a different kind of assault. They laid emotional guilt trips on him, lamenting how they had raised Cedric, only to see their dreams of grandchildren dashed because of Avery.

Family members were brought in to try to convince him to return to a so-called "normal" life, one where his relationship with Cedric had no place. In their world, being gay was unacceptable, both for Cedric’s family and his own.

Despite Cedric’s unwavering support, the pressure from both sides was too much. Avery had decided to end their relationship, resign from his job, and leave Pinehurst for good. He hoped to start anew in a place where no one knew him, to see if he could somehow salvage his life and live in a way that wouldn't cause his parents endless worry and tears.

"If things are okay between you two, why leave? Why quit your job?" Cecilia had never judged Avery. She knew how much he'd sacrificed for Cedric and hearing about his plans to leave for good made her feel it was all so unfair.

"Is it the Frost family putting pressure on you behind the scenes?" Avery took another sip from his glass, avoiding Cecilia's eyes. He didn't want her to see the pain and longing he felt.

After a while, he spoke, "We can't be selfish, pursuing our own happiness while ignoring the feelings of our aging parents. They want grandchildren, and I-I can’t give Cedric’s parents that."

"My own family has been pleading with me too. Ms. Yates, even though Cedric and I still love each other, we both have responsibilities. He can't just leave everything and run away with me. Love that isn't recognized or accepted by society is fraught with too many challenges."

"So, you're giving up? Does he know? You owe him a goodbye, at least." Avery sighed, "No, goodbyes are always so painful. It’s better to leave quietly than to make him watch me go. At least then he won’t have to endure that heartache."

Cecilia was at a loss for words. In their relationship, it always seemed like Avery was the one giving more, the one making sacrifices.

"Have you got everything sorted out?" Avery nodded, "You've both helped me so much. I wanted to say goodbye before I leave. The world's a big place; maybe we’ll meet again someday."

He put down his glass and stood up, offering a heartfelt blessing to Cecilia. "Ms. Yates, I wish you and Mr. Martinez a long and happy life together. No matter where I end up, I'll be wishing you both the best."

Cecilia stood as well. "Thank you. Are you flying out or driving?"

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